本篇論文試圖從外國人再現台灣的脈絡中，審視李仙得撰寫“Reports on Amoy and the Island of Formosa　”的視角。作為一個政治色彩濃厚的紀錄者，李仙得筆下的番人形象，與清代方志有別，強調番人的友愛、善良，從中批判清朝官員的作為，實與清朝干涉跨國資源的開發有關，「番人」在李仙得的政治話語中，成為一個重要的象徵。相較於同時代外國人的記述，李仙得中美關係的政經考量，使他留意台灣內部族群的交往，筆下的番人形象，圍繞多種族群之間的利益糾葛，勾勒出不同地域、物產的交易活動圈。語言方面，“Reports on Amoy and the Island of Formosa　”在清朝已譯為中文，名為《臺灣番事》，兩相參照，誤譯以及過度渲染的部份，不僅透露當時代的族群氛圍，並影響了中文讀者對此報告的認知。本論文企圖從李仙得“Reports on Amoy and the Island of Formosa　”，探討其建構福爾摩沙認知的歷程、番人形象的動態結構，以及番情如何作為一種論述位置，與清代方志保持微妙的關係與張力。筆者希冀這些關係的釐清，讓番情不再只是靜態的形象再現，亦反映台灣當時不同族群接觸的動態結構。

Lots of foreigners who came from different nations represented Taiwan in 19 century. The point of view in this essay is to show how Le Gendre represent the aborigines with his concern in the south of Taiwan. (Hengchun) To be a consul, Le Gendre wrote ”Reports on Amoy and the Island of Formosa” and emphasized the friendship with aborigines in order to criticize the Manchu Dynasty interfered in international trade. Unlike other recorders, Le Gendre spent much time to observe the interaction of aborigines and commercial potential. Therefore, what he recorded was an epitome to ethnic relation in Hengchun. Besides, ”Reports on Amoy and the Island of Formosa” had translated in Chinese at almost the same time. We may find diverse descriptions, especially the aboriginal image, in English or Chinese editions. Take Le Gendre for example, I would discuss the complicated situation that these foreigners ”gaze” aborigines in Taiwan.